Church Response to California Supreme Court Decision on Prop. 8

The Church has issued a statement in response to California's Supreme Court Decision that the citizens of California exercised their right to amend their constitution and pass Proposition 8. You can read the response here.
I was relieved when the Supreme Court recognized that the citizens of California exercised their right to pass Prop 8. And I think the church's response is very dignified {as all their responses are} and it is good to remember that this Church is based on God's principles and laws and the doctrines will not be modified to fit popular beliefs. To me, that really affirms to me that this is God's church and that His laws reign supreme.

Easter Message

The following is an Easter Message from the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

"At this Easter season of hope and renewal we testify of the glorious reality of the atonement and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The empty tomb brought comforting assurance and provided the answer to the question of Job, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14).

"Because of the Savior’s resurrection we will overcome death and become the beneficiaries of His mercy and grace. In a world of trouble and uncertainty, His peace fills our hearts and eases our minds. Jesus is in very deed 'the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6).

"We give our sure witness that Jesus is the Christ. Though He was crucified, He rose triumphant from the tomb to our everlasting blessing and benefit. To each member of the human family He stands as our Advocate, our Savior, and our Friend."

New Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I'm kinda slow in posting some new information from the Church. But I'm here now!

"Elder Neil Linden Andersen, 57, was named the newest apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Saturday during the morning session of the Church’s 179^th Annual General Conference."

You can go here to read more about Elder Andersen and his new calling.

There is also a press release from the Church News as Elder Andersen met with reporters and answered questions regarding his new calling. Following are a few of his remarks:

"I'm very humbled by this day, very overwhelmed at what is ahead of me, and the great honor and responsibility that has come to me," he said. "I would express my appreciation to the members of the Church who voted to sustain me, and I pray that I can become what I must become in the years ahead."
"I'm not sure how it will change our lives, except that it will make us more contemplative and ponderous. Our own spiritual development must increase, which we are hoping it can do."

You can click on the article title to read the full report:

"'Great honor and responsibility' have come to him" by Sarah Jane Weaver Church News staff writer

Elder Andersen also shared his testimony with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference:

"Above all, we proclaim our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ," he said Sunday morning. "All that we are, all that we will ever be, we owe to Him. While we gaze in awe at His majesty, He does not ask us to stay our distance, but bids us to come unto Him: 'I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him'" (Revelation 3:20)."


The Lord is at the helm. He knows what He is doing and He will guide us if we believe in Him!

Why the Church builds Temples

This is a beautiful short film produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints explaining why we build temples. It is an inspiring and uplifting film, and it is only just over 3 minutes long. Please enjoy it.

Professor Advocates Religious Freedom

Here is an article titled "Professor Advocates Religious Freedom" where we learn of a Brigham Young University law professor (W. Cole Durham Jr.) who "was awarded the 2009 International First Freedom Award for extraordinary advocacy of religious freedom." This is what he said in the article about religious freedom:
"I learned something fundamental about this heritage the summer I went to Iraq to work on the Iraqi constitution,” said Durham in his acceptance speech. “I had never before been asked to put my life on the line for principles in which I believed. I realized many things as a result of this experience. Perhaps most importantly I became convinced at a deeper level than ever before that religious freedom is a principle that is indeed worth risking one’s life for."

In a couple of posts I've made over the last couple of days I've mentioned how grateful I am to live in a country where religious freedom is prized and honored. I believe that President George W. Bush mirrors my sentiment in this comment he made (which can also be found in the article) in proclaiming Religious Freedom Day:
"Our Nation was founded by people seeking haven from religious persecution, and the religious liberty they found here remains one of this land’s greatest blessings. As Americans, we believe that all people have inherent dignity and worth. Though we may profess different creeds and worship in different manners and places, we respect each others humanity and expression of faith. People with diverse views can practice their faiths here while living together in peace and harmony, carrying on our Nation’s noble tradition of religious freedom."

LDS Leaders feel deep emotion at inauguration

I know this is a little bit old news, but I wanted to post it here anyway.

LDS Leaders feel deep emotion at inauguration

I love that we live in this free country and we are free to worship how we choose. I also love that leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are here to guide us and direct us in this world we live in. What a blessing!

Tom Hanks Apologizes for Calling Mormon Supporters of Proposition 8 'Un-American'

Tom Hanks made a statement on January 16 saying that Mormons who voted in favor of California's Proposition 8 were "Un-American." Then on January 23, he apologized for what he said:
". . . everyone has a right to vote their conscience; nothing could be more American. To say members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who contributed to Proposition 8 are 'un-American' creates more division when the time calls for respectful disagreement. No one should use 'un- American' lightly or in haste. I did. I should not have."
Tom Hanks Apologizes for Calling Mormon Supporters of Proposition 8 'Un-American'

I am grateful that we have the ability to say "Sorry, I shouldn't have said that." I have nothing against differing opinions than my own. But please allow me to have my own opinions and express them; I'll do the same for you. I am grateful for people who are not afraid to admit that they said things in haste. I do that too - everyone does. I am especially grateful for the blessings of living in this wonderful country, where people are free to voice their opinions and feelings without fear of governmental discrimination. What a blessing that is for us!

New Temple in Peru

A new temple will be built in Trujillo, Peru. To me, this is so exciting! That the work of God continues forward and His temples continue to be built around the world is so beautiful! What a blessing for those people to be able to enjoy the promises and blessings of the temple in their lives when these temples are built closer. Here is the first paragraph of the story:

"Plans to build a new temple in Trujillo, Peru, were announced Saturday by the First Presidency — the highest governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This will bring the total number of temples worldwide to 146 already in operation or in the planning and construction phases."

"First Presidency Announces New Temple in Peru" by LDS Living

What a remarkable blessing to have temples! Some may ask why temples are so important to me and other Mormons. Another paragraph from the article describes it well:
"To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temples are the 'house of the Lord,' the most sacred place on earth. Temple services bind families together forever, teach the purpose of life and explain God’s plan of salvation. Temple attendance strengthens Latter-day Saints’ commitment to living Christian principles, emphasizes personal spiritual growth and increases devotion to family. . . . Latter-day Saint temples differ from the tens of thousands of meetinghouses where members typically meet for Sunday worship services and midweek social activities and where visitors are always welcome. Temples are used solely for the performance of sacred ordinances and religious instruction aimed at strengthening members’ relationships with God and their fellow man. They are closed to the public after they are dedicated."
These are special blessings and as members of the Mormon (Latter-day Saint) church, we consider temples to be the most sacred of all buildings and a blessing to have them near us.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, Oldest Apostle, Dies, Age 91

I just noticed that the church has announced that Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away last night in his sleep.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, Oldest Apostle, Dies, Age 91

He is an amazing man and served the Lord faithfully. I always loved hearing his talks in conference and I have learned a lot from his peaceful and loving demeanor. I know he will be missed.

Yet, the work of God goes forward and He will call another apostle to fill the vacancy; God's work will not stop moving onward!

Proposition 8 news

As everyone knows by now, Proposition 8 was recently passed in California. When I awoke on the 5th, the first thing I checked was not the presidential election (I had already decided that there was almost no way McCain could win after he lost Ohio) but the decision on Proposition 8. I was grateful to see that the majority voted yes in this crucial issue. I understand that some people will disagree with me, but I am more comfortable with the traditional definition of marriage, namely between a man and a woman, than I would be if the states' constitution said otherwise. This was a vitally important and historical question. In some ways, I imagine that this election in California was more heated than the presidential campaign. There were even riots performed by anti-prop 8 groups after the election and rumors that people already wanted to appeal the recently voted yes.

I just wanted to share some articles and information I have found from the church and others in response to the recent passing of Proposition 8.

Church Issues Statement on Proposition 8 Protest: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-issues-statement-on-proposition-8-protest

Catholic Bishop Decries Religious Bigotry Against Mormons: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/catholic-bishop-decries-religious-bigotry-against-mormons

I thought this statement was particularly moving, that this Bishop made sure to state that people who were pro-prop 8 were not only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but people from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds voted yes.

LDS official lauds work for California's Prop. 8: http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705260852,00.html?pg=1

This article talks a lot about how the church viewed this issue as a moral one and not necessarily a political one. I appreciate how Elder Clayton emphasizes that a differing opinion is not grounds for harrassment or any other improper treatment of other people. We still need to show love and understanding, even if others don't agree. I also appreciated that he pointed out the implications in religious freedoms that could have been questioned if this proposition had not passed. A great article.

New Temple in Clay County

Here is an article about a temple being built in Clay County, Kansas City. It is so amazing to me how the Lord furthers His work - this building of temples is so amazing to me! I just love that this is going further and further, that more people are being blessed with the opportunity to attend the temple! What a tremendous blessing!!

http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/848539.html

Yes to Proposition 8!

As I am sure you have been made fully aware, Proposition 8 is a very popular topic of discussion right now. This is an eternally important topic; one that should not go ignored. I feel that this is a very important issue to educate ourselves about. There is so much to learn about this important cause. Encourage everyone you know to learn about proposition 8. Support in every possible to uphold the sanctity of marriage as we know it to be.

Here are a couple of website detailing important information about this vote and what kind of implications it would mean for our country and church if this proposition is not passed:

http://www.preservingmarriage.org/#current
http://www.protectmarriage.com/
http://mormonsfor8.com/

Here is a video of young adults from California discussing their involvement in perserving traditional marriage. If nothing else -- watch this video!!!!!!


Here is a video from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:


And here is an article titled "LDS Church woos Californians in Utah to back gay marriage ban"
and one more titled "Church Readies Members on Proposition 8."

A Temple for Rome!

It makes me so excited to hear of more temples being built around the world. I wish everyone could be as blessed as I am, having so many temples so close - one just up the road from where I live now. What a blessing! I cannot imagine the sacrifice some members go to just to be able to attend the temple. I'll keep praying and hoping for more temples to be built all around the world so that more people can attend.

To see an article about the temple being built in Italy, as well as learn a little about the history of the chuch there, follow this link.

LDS Man Gives Kidney to Employee

In LDS Living today, one of the articles talks about a restaurant owner in Orem, Utah who donated one of his kidneys to an employee. The first paragraph reads: "Marcus Gilbert gave 16-year-old Juan Delgado a lot more than a job. He gave him the gift of life." (see link) Apparently, Gilbert is also trying to raise funds so his employee can pay for the operation and medicines he will have to take. Read the article for more information about donating to this cause.

Proposition 8

The church has issued a letter to leaders in California discussing our views regarding marriage. You can view the letter, titled "California and Same-Sex Marriage" here.

I have to say that I hope we can all band together to uphold the sanctity of marriage. Marriage between a man and a woman is sacred, is ordained of God, it is the way God intended. I believe that and I will uphold what is right, even if it isn't popular.